Swimming Analysis

Swimming stroke analysis

A biomechanical swimming analysis involves an in depth analysis of an individual's stroke. Over recent years physiotherapists and sport scientists have been using biomechanics to analyse swimming technique and this has become an essential part of swimming performance. Biomechanical analysis helps to fine tune a swimmer's stroke to cut off seconds in their performance, whilst maximising efficiency at the same time. The aim of a biomechanical swimming analysis is to:

What is involved in the analysis?

The biomechanical swimming analysis integrates a physiotherapy analysis and slow motion video analysis of your swimming technique in order to build a profile of the athlete:

01

01 Physiotherapy analysis

Initially our therapists will initially perform a physiotherapy analysis which involves a thorough review of your training and history of any injuries. Furthermore a physical examination of your range of movement, posture and strength will be assessed.

02

02 Biomechanical Swimming analysis

Following your physiotherapy analysis your physiotherapist will analyse your swimming strokes. Initially, a high speed digital video camera will be used to capture your swimming technique. Next the footage will be analysed by your physiotherapist using specialist software that slows down your technique and analyses your movements. Different phases of your stroke will be analysed in a head-to-toe process.

The video footage will be annotated with variables such as joint angles measurements along with explanations regarding the strengths and weaknesses within your technique. This will help you understand which areas are your strengths and also which areas can be tweaked to help improve your performance or reduce injury.

Athlete swimming underwater in the pool

What we measure

Several variables are measured during the swim analysis in order to build up a picture of your strengths and weaknesses within your stroke:

Joint angles - observation of range of movement at both upper limb and lower limb joints to highlight any areas of poor control or restriction

Symmetry - Superior, inferior and lateral views will be used to assess body alignment

Stroke rate - Strokes per minute (spm), rhythm and timing will be analysed.

Posture - Your body position within the pool is assessed from serveral views to ensure that drag forces are reduced and efficiency of your stroke is maximised.

Athlete swimmers gathering in a group after a triathlon race to receive results

Applying the results from the biomechanical swimming analysis

Following your swimming analysis your physiotherapist will develop a specific training programme to help you achieve your goals.

Your tailored programme will include:

01

01 Strength and conditioning programme

The video analysis and physiotherapy analysis will highlight your areas that require further strengthening. We will create an individually tailored exercise plan that will target specific muscle groups to enhance performance or reduce injury.

02

02 Flexibility and mobility exercises

Reduced flexibility is often detrimental to swimming performance or a risk factor for injury, especially around the shoulder region. Your physiotherapist will provide you with a series of exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion at your joints to ensure that you can achieve efficient movements. These exercises may be designed for pre or post-exercise routines.

03

03 ‘Cueing’ strategies

Verbal or visual ‘cues’ will be provided to encourage minor changes in your stroke, or to help maximise strengths in your current technique. This may be as simple as encouraging your to emphasise aspects of your technique such as your kick, or commands such as ‘push the water back’ to encourage improved propulsion. Implementing these cues is a clever way of making small modifications to your stroke that have a profound impact on performance.

04

04 Swimming technique drills

Specific swimming drills will be provided to incorporate into your workout. Swimming drills are designed to help you focus on specific areas of your stroke, develop good muscle memory, remove bad habits and improve strength and endurance. There are many different techniques drills, however yours will be selected carefully to suite your needs.

Athlete swimmer running through the water to begin the race

Performance outcomes

The ultimate goal of the biomechanical swimming analysis is to optimise your current technique and make you a better swimmer. The biomechanical swim analysis can benefit you in the following ways:

Improved conditioning for swimming

Increased power output

Improved endurance

Increased flexibility

Improved efficiency

Improved stroke technique

Faster times

Less energy expenditure

Injury Rehabilitation

Reduce Pain

Return to swimming

Reduced injury risk

Specific conditioning for swimming

Reduce risk of future injuries

Book an appointment

If you are looking to improve your technique, get a new PB, or recover from a swimming related injury the biomechanical swim analysis is for you. To find out more information and book your Biomechanical swimming analysis, please contact us by emailing office@trinamics.co.uk or calling us on 0161 660 8066.

Group of Athlete swimmers jumping into pool ready to begin race

Book a biomechanical swimming analysis

£149

A ‘Biomechanical swimming analysis’ involves an in depth analysis of an individual's stroke.

Ready to get started?

Trinamics offer a number of different packages to suit your needs. Whether you’re a triathlete, duathlete or training for a single endurance discipline we have the package to maximise your performance.